Michael A. Gerstenzang
Partner
“[A] very strategic thinker who can navigate difficult issues and bring a lot of experience to the table.”
Chambers Global, 2018
“Michael ‘is the real deal’ as far as private funds lawyers are concerned.”
Chambers Global, 2017
“Has a real talent for devising creative solutions.”
Chambers Global, 2017
Michael A. Gerstenzang is Cleary Gottlieb’s Managing Partner.
In addition to leading the firm, Michael maintains an active practice focusing on private investment funds, including forming and advising private equity funds, credit funds, growth funds, special situations funds, infrastructure funds, and other types of “alternative” investment vehicles. He also has deep experience advising alternative investment firms and founders/senior professionals on issues relating to succession and management reorganizations.
His practice also includes secondary transactions and co-investment arrangements, as well as negotiating “seed” investments, spin-outs, joint ventures, and other general partner/management company arrangements.
Michael regularly represents TPG, KKR, Sixth Street, Blackstone, Coller Capital, and Hillhouse in a variety of matters.
Michael joined the firm in 1992 and became a partner in 1999. He was elected Managing Partner in 2017. From 1994 through 1996, he was resident in the firm’s Brussels office.
Notable Experience
TPG in the formation of its private equity, special situations, growth, and other funds, and in numerous significant co-investment arrangements.
KKR in the formation of its Asia and growth funds.
Coller Capital in its investments.
The Raine Group in the formation of its growth, venture, and hedge funds.
Redbird Capital Partners in the formation of Redbird Capital Partners Fund I.
Viking Global Investors in the formation of the Viking Global Opportunities fund platform.
Victoria Capital Partners in the formation of its investment funds and in co-investment arrangements.
Selected Activities
trigger- Guest Lecturer, Harvard Law School
- Guest Lecturer, Yale Law School
- Guest Lecturer, Columbia Law School
- Member, Private Investment Fund Forum
- Member, International Bar Association Subcommittee on Private Investment Funds, 2009-2014
- Member, Private Investment Funds Committee, New York City Bar Association, 2009-2012
Publications
Events
November 9, 2023
March 10, 2021
October 6, 2020
Taking the High Road: Navigating Corporate Responsibility to Advance Public Welfare
June 5, 2020
April 17, 2020
Leadership in Times of Crisis: What General Counsel Are Doing Now
May 20, 2019
IBA’s 30th Annual Conference on the Globalisation of Investment Funds
April 30, 2019
March 11, 2018
19th Annual International Conference on Private Investment Funds
January 17, 2018
March 6, 2017
IBA's 18th Annual International Conference on Private Investment Funds
March 3, 2016
IBA's 17th Annual International Conference on Private Investment Funds
March 9, 2014
IBA's 15th Annual International Conference on Private Investment Funds
March 10, 2013
IBA's 14th Annual International Conference on Private Investment Funds
February 24, 2011
November 17, 2009
NYCBA's The Impact of the Current Environment on Private Investment Funds & Their Managers